Whether he’s speaking about creating vibrant city spaces or discussing his involvement with the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Chairman’s Circle, Montgomery Martin consistently emphasizes one clear message: He believes in the future of Memphis.

Remember that time we introduced Music Export Memphis (MEM)? It’s an initiative to create opportunities for Memphis musicians across the U.S. and abroad. It’s also an important tool in our efforts to recruit and retain talented individuals (and their companies) who desire to live in creative cities.On Saturday, September 24th, we get to see MEM kick off at the AmericanaFest in Nashville, Tennessee. The Memphis Americana Picnic will take place at The Filming Station between 12:00 – 6:00 PM for badge and wristband holders, and it’s going to be an authentic Memphis celebration. Here are five things we’re looking forward to:

DigitalGenetix may be new to the Memphis market, but founder and owner Edwin Pope has already plugged into the local business scene here. Along with serving on the Greater Memphis Chamber's Small Business Council task force, Ed also has volunteered to be an advisor for our Advice on Tap program. We get to know him and his digital consulting agency, DigitalGenetix, better below.

After working in corporate sales for several years, Katrina Robinson says a 2009 layoff was the wakeup call that inspired her to start her own business.“I always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Robinson, “I just didn’t know what it was I wanted to do or should be doing.”

Powder coating is an industry that may seem foreign to many of us, but Cory McCabe devotes his career to excelling at it, expanding his business and, most important, providing more job opportunities to Mid-South residents.